The association between the metabolic syndrome and its components and C-reactive protein (CRP) was investigated in a population of elderly (≥65 years) individuals. The prevalence of high CRP (>3 mg/l) was 54.5% in individuals with the metabolic syndrome and 41.3% in those without the metabolic syndrome. There was an association between the metabolic syndrome and high CRP concentrations. Compared to subjects with the metabolic syndrome but low CRP levels, individuals with the metabolic syndrome and elevated CRP concentrations were characterized by higher waist circumference, higher body mass index and by evidence of greater insulin resistance (HOMA index). Multivariate analysis also revealed that there was a relationship between waist circumference as a marker of abdominal adiposity and high CRP in subjects with the metabolic syndrome. Finally, irrespective of gender and diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome, there was a significant relationship between waist circumference and CRP levels.
Documentation centre